Security Alert West Africa 29-Apr-2017

April 29, 2017

Michael Cleary

Date: 29/04/2017 Time: 0755 UTC

Lat: 03°41.30
North Long: 006°46.55 East

Event: Hijacking

Gulf
of Guinea

It has been reported that a United Kingdom
flagged cargo vessel has been hijacked by pirates whilst underway,
approximately 16nm Southwest of Okwori Terminal. The vessel was approached by
one speedboat with armed pirates onboard. The cargo ship undertook anti-piracy
measures however, according to initial reports, the pirates were able to board.
MDAT-GoG have confirmed that the pirates have taken control of the vessel. The
crew are reported to be mustered in the vessel's citadel and the Nigerian Navy
have been contacted in order to send a nearby vessel to assist.

Date: 29/04/2017 Time: 0410UTC

Lat: 03°51.00
North Long: 006°46.00 East

Event: Pirate Attack

Gulf
of Guinea

OPS Global Risk Management has received a
report that a Liberian flagged reefer cargo vessel was attacked whilst underway
to Port Harcourt, approximately 13nm West of Okwori Terminal. One speedboat
with armed pirates onboard approached and opened fire on the cargo ship. The
pirates then attempted to board the vessel. The cargo ship undertook
anti-piracy measures and was able to escape. The vessel and crew are reported
as safe.

Date: 28/04/2017 Time: Unknown

Lat: 03°45.00 North Long: 007°04.00 East

Event: Pirate Attack

Gulf
of Guinea

OPS Global Risk Management has received a
report that a Liberian flagged, refrigerated cargo vessel was attacked whilst
underway to Pointe Noire approximately 12nm Southeast of Okwori Terminal. Four
speed boats with armed pirates onboard approached and fired upon the cargo
vessel and then attempted to board using hooks. The Master of the vessel
increased speed and carried out evasive manoeuvres which resulted in the
Pirates aborting their attack. The vessel and crew are reported as safe.

Vessels within a 100
nautical mile radius should increase their anti-piracy deterrents in line with
Best Management Practices 4. This should include increased twenty four hour
anti-piracy watch keeping and radar monitoring. Vessel hardening should be
checked and where appropriate bolstered.